54 
1 



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labglonian iat^a 

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PAUL H. POPENOE 



^ 






1913 Pomona College Journal of Economic Botaxy, Vol. Ill, No. -2, May. 



Babylonian Dates for California 

PAUL B. POPENOE 
EDITOR OP THE JOURNAL OP HEREDITY, WASHINGTON, D. C. 

The greatest date-growing region in the world is the country between 
Mesopotamia and the Persian Gulf, which is now properly called 'Iraq and is 
a part of Turkey in Asia, but which I shall call by its ancient name of 
Babylonia, as more familiar to Occidentals. Its dates, which we have been 
accustomed inaccurately to call "Persian Gulf dates," have long held a 
practical monopoly of the American market; but when the culture of the 
palm began to be taken up seriously by California ranchers, they drew nearly 
all their stock from Algeria, because of the greater accessibility of the North 
African oases. 

Most of the varieties thus secured, however, are late in maturing, and 
when they became well established, it was realized that an extension of 
the season, by the addition of earlier varieties, would be of great value to 
the industry here. Late dates like Deglet Nur do not get into market until 
the fresh importations from Babylonia have arrived, and they must compete 
with a flood of fruit which can be laid down in the United States for less 
than five cents a pound. If, however, California growers can market a 
considerable portion of their crop in August and September, they will have 
a market empty of dates, when any good fruit will find a ready sale at a 
remunerative figure. 

It was known in a general way that the Babylonian varieties would meet 
this need. The Bureau of Plant Industry of the United States Department 
of Agriculture had introduced a number of them on an experimental scale, 
following a visit of David Fairchild to the region in 1903, and among the 
varieties thus secured were several that ripened earlier than anything there- 
tofore known in the United States. In fact, Arizona growers did not hesitate 
to say that the "Persian Gulf" varieties would practically be the making of 
the industry in their state,* since the best from Algeria matured at a time 
at which the crop was usually ruined by rain. 

Under these circumstances, the West India Gardens, of Altadena, Los 
Angeles County, California, sent me to the region in question, to spend the 
winter of 1912-1913, make as full a study of the date varieties as possible, 
and introduce the best of them to the United States on a large scale. I began 
with a visit to the home of the Fardh date in Oman,t on the eastern coast 
of Arabia, and then spent nearly four months in Busreh, near the head of 
the Persian gulf, and Baghdad, 500 miles farther north. In this region I 
was able to list 112 varieties of dates, descriptions of most of which, including 



* Popenoe, Paul B., in Bui. Calif. Coram. Hort., I, 10, p. 877. The Arizonans have 
since come to prefer Egyptian dates. 

t Popenoe, Paul B., in Bui. Calif. Comm. Hort., Jan., 1914. 



460 Pomona College Journal of Economic Botany 

even many of the best, have never before been published, and to bring to 
California 9,000 offshoots, which arrived in remarkably good condition and 
are now divided between many growers in the Coaehella Valley and elsewhere. 

It is my purpose in this paper to describe the varieties of dates grown 
in Babylonia, not only for the importance which such descriptions will neces- 
sarily possess for Californians growing the varieties in question, but as a 
guide for future visitors to that region; for I believe it is the most promising 
known, from which to draw a large supply of high-grade offshoots for the 
United States. 

Although the dates of Busreh are better known, and more important 
commercially, and are now and always have been* considered, even by Arabs, 
as the best, my opinion — as is that of my brother, F. W. Popenoc, who accom- 
panied me. and to whom I am indebted for much assistance in preparing 
descriptions — is that the Baghdad field is incomparably richer. Commercial- 
ism at Busreh has tended to restrict planting to the three great export 
varieties, Hahiwi, Khadhrawi and Sayir, and none of these can be considered 
a superfine date, although for a steady diet Khadhrawi is as satisfactory as 
any grown. Yet Halawi is more profitable, since its lighter color makes it a 
favorite in the American market. The price received for this variety by 
growers in 1012 (when the crop was large) was $2.22 per maund of 153 
pounds. Thi' prices of Ilalawi, Khadhrawi and Sayir. respectively, were in 
that year as 320:260:220. There is, thus, no doubt as to what is the most 
profitable date at Busreh, the choicest varieties, like Awaydi and Barhi, 
being cultivated to a very limited extent indeed. 

In Baghdad tlie dry date Zahidi is most widely cultivated, and there 
are no virtues which growers do not ascribe to it. There are many finer 
ones, but Zahidi has come to be the choice of the nomad tribes who are the 
chief consumers of Baghdad dates, and as it is early, hardy, vigorous, and 
unusually prolific, the growers plant it so largely that many groves contain 
nothing else. It is usually considered the most profitable there, but some 
growers put Khustawi ahead of it, because of the higher price it commands, 
in spite of its lighter yield; Asharasi, Maktum and Tabirzal probably come 
next in order, but the last two are hardly cultivated on a commercial scale 
and, as a matter of fact, one sees Busreh Khadhrawis sold in the Baghdad 
bazar more frequently than any of the local varieties. 

The first ripe dates are eaten by the natives in July, but it must be 
admitted that an Arab will eat dates when they are still so hard and full of 
tannin that American hogs would hardly touch them. Perhaps August first 
might be taken as the commencement of the date season in an average year, 
while it is not in full swing until a month or six weeks later. Within a month 
all of tin 1 principal varieties have been picked and sold; in forty days the 

♦Besides medieval Aral) writers, cf. Marco Polo's description in the latter half of the 
13th century, "There is also on the river (Tigris) as you go from Baudas (Baghdad) to 
Kisi (Kish) a great city called Bastra (Busreh; classically Basreh). surrounded by woods, 
in which grow the best dates in the world." — Yule's Ed., I, 60, London, 1871. 

Gift 

Vuthor 

••rion) 
JUN 2 ,„ 4 



Pomona College Journal of Economic Botany 461 

parking season is virtually over. The extremely early dates of Babylonia 
are Ibrahimi, Halawi Makkawi, Balaban, Makkawi Ashqar, Barban, Badinjani 
and Sultani, while Zahidi and the Busreh Malawi will have to be put on the 
edge of the list. 

The later dates, on the other hand, continue to ripen well up to Decem- 
ber first. Khasab, Hilali, Shatwi, Lului and 'Amain et al Qadhi can be had 
fresh in any quantity up to the middle of November at least. 

The dates of the region average well in size, and the dry varieties, in 
particular, are conspicuously larger than the similar dates of Algeria; they 
are also of better quality, on the average, while the best of them reach a 
perfection that was never dreamed of in the Sahara. Babylonia's largest 
dates, I should say, are 'Awaydi, Bu Saba 'a al Dra'a, Madani, Sayyid 
Ibrahim and Ism 'ail Qadri, — all of them rare. 

Arab scientists classify the principal varieties as hot or cold, according 
as a long-continued and exclusive diet of them "burns" the stomach or not. 
The distinction is important in a country where people eat little except dates, 
but it will not be worth considering in the States, where a handful a day is 
a heavy ration. Khustawi is universally considered the coldest date known: 
one can eat five pounds daily for a year and never feel them. Barban, at 
Baghdad, is considered the hottest, but is valued, nevertheless, on account of 
its earliness. As a matter of fact, not only most of the varieties, but most 
of the choice varieties, are considered hot. Among the cold ones are 
Khadhrawi, Sukkari. Shukkar, Amir Hajj, Sukkar Nabat, while Maktiim 
and Badrahi are placed in an intermediate class, neither hot nor cold, but 
satisfactory. Asharasi, Tabirzal, I Inlaw i. Zahidi, and Barhi, most of the other 
dates of sufficient importance to receive classification, are on the hot side of 
the ledger. 

As to the best date of the region, Arabs agree in awarding the palm to 
the Khalaseh of Hasa* which, however, is little grown outside its original 
home. I think this judgment is correct. My own second choice is Maktiim 
or Tabirzal, but many of the Baghdadis swear by Sukkari — in fact, that 
would probably have more votes than any other at the City of the Caliphs. 
Khustawi has many admirers. The originator of the variety Khiyara 
declares that none ran equal it. Those partial to dry dates affirm that nothing 
surpasses Asharasi. At Busreh, 'Awaydi and Barhi are tied for first place. 
Sultani is the choice of the Hilleh growers. Amir llajj is esteemed, but the 
rare Jamal al Din, Baqlah and Gul Husaini from the same region are con- 
sidered quite as good, if not better. Those who have tasted Khasawi al Baghal 
call it excellent. Brim is considered one of the finest known dates at Baghdad, 
while at Busreh it is held to be fit only for boiling. In short, it is all a matter 
of taste, but if one took Barhi, 'Awaydi, Khustawi, Maktum, Tabirzal and 
Sukkari as the best of the region, he would not lie far wrong; leaving the 



* Cf. Palgrave, W. G. Narrative of a Year's Journey through Central and Eastern 
Arabia, vol. II, p. \V2, London, 1865. 



462 Pomona College Journal of Economic Botany 

others I have mentioned as second choice, with the incomparable Khalaseh 
always in a special place of honor. ^-s 

As for the worst ones, the two Saadas, Sharisi, Ja'afari, Hamrawi, Halajfi 
and Asshag will have to fight for the leather medal among themselves. One 
sometimes finds in the bazars worse dates than any of those, but they are 
merely seedling fruit. The varieties named are as bad as any one would care 
to perpetuate. 

Methods of culture differ little in Babylonia from those in other Arab 
countries, and I therefore omit any description of it, particularly since it 
has been treated by Fairchild* fully and satisfactorily. 

In transliterating the Arabic names of date varieties, I have followed the 
system now universally adopted by scientific men — namely, that consonants 
should be pronounced as in English and vowels as in the continental languages 
— e. g., Spanish. This system, which was elaborated by the International 
Congress of Orientalists at Geneva in 1894, has the merit of being both 
uniform and simple. 

The following list, arranged in alphabetical order, contains the varieties 
which I was able to list in Babylonia, either from my own observations, or 
from the descriptions of native acquaintances; but as I have recently pub- 
lished! descriptions of most of the varieties now in California, at some length, 
I (unit these in order to save duplication. For the following Babylonian 
varieties the student should, therefore, consult my book on Date Growing: 

.1 njasi, "The Pyriform." 

Asibi' al 'Arus, "The Bride's Fingers." 
Uharasi, "The Tall Growing." 

'Awaydi, "The Little Big One." 

Bajldni, named after a tribe of noted date-growers. 

Badinjdni, "The Egg-Plant Date." 

Bdrbdn, "The Fair Persian." 

llarlii, named after a hot wind supposed to ripen it. 

Brim, (origin of name disputed). 

Dubaini, named after the oasis of Dubai, near Baghdad. 

Fursi, "The Persian." 

Guntdr, properly Qintdr, "The Hundredweight." 

Ealdvn, "The Sweet." 

Malawi Makkdwi, "The Sweet Date of Mecca." 

Hasan (or Hvsain) Effendi, (a man's name). 

llaxthci, from Ilasa. 

Ibrdhimi, "Abraham's Date." 

Ehadhrdwi, "The Verdant." 

Khitstdmi, "The Date of the Grandees." 



* Fairchild, David. Persian Gulf Dates and their Introduction to America. Bui. No. 
54., Bureau of Plant Industry, Washington, I). C, 1903. 

I Date Growing in the Old and New Worlds, by Paul B. Popenoe. West India Gardens, 
Altadena, Cal., 1913. 



Pomona College Journal of Economic Botany 463 

Maktum, originally Makdum, "The Bitten." 

Maktum Ahmar, "Red", a variety of the preceding. 

Shukkar, "Sugar." 

Sukkari, ' ' Sugary. ' ' 

Sukkar Nabat, "Refined Sugar." 

Sultdni, "The Sultan's Date." 

Tabirzdl, originally Tdbirzdd, "Sugar Candy." 

Zdhidi, "Nobility." 

The varieties in the foregoing list are all to be found now in the United 
Statrs. The following list comprises all the other varieties of which I could 
learn in Babylonia; they are not growing in the United States, unless so 
described, but many of them should be given a thorough trial as soon as 
possible. 

Other Babylonian Varieties 

'Abadl't, "The Date of Abdullah" (a. man's name), a large, soft date, 
light reddish-brown in color, grown principally in the oasis of Baqubah, near 
Baghdad. Usually eaten fresh, but keeps well if packed tightly. Ripens about 
the middle of September. Quality good. Yield fairly heavy. * 

'Amount a! Qadki, "The Kadi's Turban," a large, yellow, dry date, 
very thick in proportion to its length ; ripens late in season and is of mediocre 
quality. Mostly eaten fresh, but not a common date. Seed large. It is 
occasionally picked when still soft and packed in skins. 

Amir Hajj, "Leader of the Pilgrimage," a date practically confined to 
the oasis of Mandali on the Persian frontier. It is ranked among the best 
dates of Babylonia, partly because of its quality and partly because of its 
attractive appearance and its scarcity. Nowadays it seems to be exported 
only in the form of presents. The few trees are in the gardens of wealthy 
men who refuse to sell offshoots from them, consequently the variety is not 
disseminated. 

The palm is tall and graceful, but very delicate, requiring a great deal 
of cultivation and water; a shy bearer. It matures its fruit in midseason. 

Many seeds of this variety have been planted in California, all efforts to 
secure offshoots having failed. 

In form, the date is broadly oblong-oval to oblong-ovate, flattened at 
base, widest at or near center: apex rounded to broadly pointed, base flat- 
tened. Size medium large, one and one-quarter to one and three-eighths 
inches long, seven-eighths to one inch wide. Surface dry or nearly so, roughly 
undulating, slightly glossy where the thick bluish-gray bloom has been rubbed 
off; deep, rich orange brown in color, unusually translucent. Skin firm but 
rather thin, not easily broken, though tender; loosely folded, the folds rather 
prominent but only occasionally separating from the flesh: no blisters. Flesh 
three-eighths inch thick, of caramel consistency, translucent, light golden brown 
in color; fibrous lining of seed cavity yellowish cream colored, fibre tender 



464 Pomona College Journal of Economic Botany 

and unnoticeable in the mouth. Seed rather small, three-quarters inch long by 
one-fourth to three-eighths inch wide, oblong to oblong-obovate, lilunt at 
base, slightly tapering at apex; smooth; deep, dull brown in color; ventral 
channel almosl or entirely closed ; germ pure at or near center. Flavor very rich 
and pleasant, nut so sweet as to he chiving nor so strong as to be objectionable. 
Although the date somewhat resembles Maktum in appearance, the flavor is 
entirely different. 

'Anih N/7,/, (Turkish), "The Arab's Phallus," a variety mentioned by 
G. Ghanimeh in an article on the Palms of 'Iraq in Al Machriq, No. 11, p. 
480, Payrut, June 1, 1907. I could not find this variety. 

Asliarasi Aswdd, ("black"), a rare sub-variety of Asharasi at Baghdad. 
Form broadly obovate, sometimes almost spherical; base broad and flattened, 
apex numded to very broadly pointed. Of very solid consistency, but not 
hard. Size medium large, length one and one-fourth to one and one-half 
inches, breadth one to one and one-eighth inches. Surface dry, rough, slightly 
glossy, deep purplish maroon in color, bloom unnoticeable. Skin rather dry, 
moderately thick but not tough, coarsely wrinkled indiscriminately, and 
toward apex separating from flesh in numerous folds and blisters. Flesh solid, 
gummy, one-fourth inch thick, translucent light brown under skin one-third 
of distance to seed, the rest light straw color. Slightly fibrous around seed 
cavity. Seed broadly oblong, lilunt at base, rounded at apex, plump, eleven- 
sixteenths inch long, five-sixteenths broad, smooth, cinnamon brown in color, 
ventral channel open, rather shallow, germ pore slightly nearer apex. Flavor 
rich and nutty, quite similar to that of Asliarasi. 

Ashqar, "Sorrel," referring to its color. This is the Busreh name; at 
Baghdad the word is made feminine instead of masculine: Shaqra. A long 
slender date of rather above average size, sorrel colored, ripening in Septem- 
ber. Considered good when fresh, but does not keep well. Bears heavily. Not 
common in either district. 

'Ashuri, a name which indicates that the date ripens in the first ten days 
of the month. — hut I do not know which month. It is a very rare Baghdad 
soft date, resembling Khustawi but a little larger. Ripens in midseason; 
yield good; the date is noticeable for its tender skin. 

'Ashshdq, "The Preferable," I take to be the true form of the date 
vulgarly called "Asshag" at Busreh. It is a mediocre variety ripening in 
October. Long and slender, almost black; keeps well but is not good as 
rutab (fresh dates). Pears heavily. Not common. 

Awashah, (a woman's name), originated in a garden owned by a woman 
of that name at Mu'adhdham. near Baghdad, and is confined to that neigh- 
borhood. Yellowish brown in color, long and of medium thickness; midseason. 
Opinions differ as to its value, some declaring it worthless while others 
represent it as ;i delicious fruit with notably tender skin. 

Aweriha (?), variety reported from Hilleh, of which I could get no 
description. 



Pomona College Journal of Economic Botany 465 

Azraq, "Brilliant," a good soft date principally grown at Mandali and 
Badra. Form oblong-ovate, rounded at base, broadly pointed at apex. Size 
medium, length one and one-fourth to one and one-half inches, breadth at 
widest point, at or near center of fruit, five-eighths to three-fourths inch. 
Surface rather rough, light brown in color, glossy, bloom unnoticeable. Skin 
firm but thin, rather tough, loosely wrinkled indiscriminately, occasionally 
blistered, but otherwise adheres closely. Flesh very firm and of caramel 
consistency, good texture, three-sixteenths inch thick, translucent, light red- 
dish brown in color, slightly fibrous near seed. Seed oblong, slightly pointed at 
both ends, three-fourths to seven-eighths inch long, five-sixteenths inch broad, 
smooth, grayish brown in color, ventral channel open but narrow. Flavor 
sweet but the taste of syrup rather more prominent than that of dates. 

Banafshah* "Violet Blossoms," a dry date of attractive appearance but 
ordinary quality, grown around Baghdad but more at Mandali. Form oblong, 
slightly swollen toward the apical end, the base bluntly flattened, the apex 
rounded or very broadly pointed. Size medium large, one and one-fourth to 
one and one-half inches long, five-eighths to three-fourths inch wide. Surface 
smooth or coarsely wrinkled longitudinally, dry, hard, dull purplish maroon 
in color with slight bluish bloom. Skin thin, dry, moderately tough, adhering 
closely except for an occasional fold, usually somewhat wrinkled toward apex 
and smooth near base. Flesh dry, solid, mealy, one-eighth inch thick, dull 
white in color, sometimes slightly soft near apex. No fibre. Seed very large, 
oblong, blunt at base and rounded at apex, one inch long, five-sixteenths inch 
broad, smooth, fawn colored, ventral channel open, deep, germ pore slightly 
nearer apex. Flavor sweet but lacking in character. 

Baqlah, "The Pot Herb Date" (?), a large, yellowish brown date with 
small seed, which ripens about the middle of September and is known as a 
heavy bearer. Considered best when fresh, but, also, packs well. It is rare, 
if known at all, in Baghdad, and seems to have originated somewhere on the 
Persian frontier. Those who have eaten it call it delicious. I ordered some 
offshoots of this variety from Badra and received four specimens labeled 
"Daklieh," so I do not know whether 1 introduced it to California or not. 
Sayyid Salman Abatshi who is considered an authority on dates at Baghdad, 
declares it is the best variety in Babylonia. 

Badami, "Almond-like" (Persian), a rare Baghdad soft date which is 
highly esteemed. Medium large, light brown in color; ripens early in Sep- 
tember. Eaten as rutab (fresh dates) or packed in skins or boxes. 

Badrdlii, from the oasis of Badra, although those of Mandali are con- 
sidered better. The palm nourishes in a sandy soil and is rarely found at 
Baghdad, in fact, I was unable to secure any offshoots of it. The date is 
much liked by the Baghdadis, but the whole supply is shipped in. The palm 



* This is the Persian word, but is usually heard at Baghdad, as are many other Persian 
words, because of the large Persian population there. The classical Aral) form Banafsaj 
is, also, heard; it is merely a corruption of the Persian; by the time the word reaches 
Algeria it has degenerated to Balasfanj. 



466 Pomona College Journal of Economic Botany 

is easy to cultivate, tint hears moderately; it has been a decided success in 
California. Season, late September. 

Form broadly oblong, tending to oblong-oval and oblong-obovate, broadest 
between center and apex. Base slightly flattened, apex broadly pointed. Size 
medium to medium large, one and one-fourth to one and three-fourths inches 
long, seven-eighths to one and one-eighth inches wide. Surface hard and dry, 
smooth to roughly undulating, rarely wrinkled; brownish straw colored, some- 
times darker toward apex and lighter toward base. Skin hard, dry and brittle, 
adhering closely to flesh and rarely wrinkled or folded. Flesh three-eighths 
inch thick, light straw colored, very hard and solid, not mealy, free from fibre. 
Seed oblong-elliptieal, slightly tapering at base and pointed at apex, three- 
fourths inch long, five-sixteenths inch wide, fairly smooth, deep brown 
in color, ventral channel open, narrow; germ pore slightly nearer apex. Flavor 
remarkably sweet and delicate, almost honey-like, with very little of the nutty 
flavor that characterizes Asharasi. 

Bayt ill Sdbah, "Breakfast Food," a scarce Busreh variety of slight 
value. The fruit is large, short and thick, light brown in color, and ripens 
about October first. Principally eaten as rutab; the dried date keeps fairly 
well but is inferior. Heavy bearer. 

Balabdn, perhaps "The Date of Ban," a region in Arabia always famed 
for its dates. A small, short, brown, soft date which seems to be confined to 
one garden at Baghdad and is said by its possessor to ripen almost a month 
before any other. The palm is of rank growth, resembling a male in appear- 
ance, and bears well. The dates are eaten fresh, packed in skins, or cured 
to a caramel consistency. 

Burnt, "The Sweetmeat Jar"* (Persian). An Oman variety, very rare 
at Baghdad. [ met men who had heard of it there but never one who had 
actually seen it. 

Bfi Saba'a <tl Dra'a,\ "Father of Seven to the Cubit," describing its 
length. This is the name at Busreh and Abu'l Khasib; at Baghdad it is 
called merely Saba 'a al Dra'a. A long and slender variety of mediocre quality, 
very rare and grown more as a curiosity than anything else. Dark brown 
in color. The fresh fruit is not good, nor is it much better when fully mature. 

Busrdwi, "From Busreh," a variety grown at Baghdad, but not common, 
although esteemed because it bears early (August). A large, soft date, of 
which two sub-varieties are distinguished, "Asfar" or yellow and "Ahmar," 
red. 

Chayan, "Tea-flavored" (Persian), a variety of which I heard the name 
only. 



* This derivation was given me in Masqat, and is quite legitimate. Birni is cue of 
the must famous classical varieties, and all ancient authorities mention it in Babylonia; 
I can not prove, however, that the present Burn! is identical with it. There seem to be 
two or more varieties confused under the latter name at present. The etymology of Birni 
is certainly not that given above. 

t Properly the word should be transliterated Dhira'a. There are three cubits in use at 
Busreh, of 18, 25 and 27 in., respectively. 



Pomona College Journal of Economic Botany 467 

Chibchab, see Kibkab. 

Dafr al Ghazdl, "Gazelle's Dung", a Busreh variety, very scarce, eaten 
only as rutab. Of medium size and slender, yellowish brown in color, ripen- 
ing about September fifteenth. Quality good. 

Degal 'Abbas, "The Date of Abbas" (a man's name). A rare but 
esteemed Busreh variety whose fruits ripen about October first. The date is 
small, long and slender, light brown in color. Bears at an early age and 
heavily ; the fruit keeps well. 

Degal 'Amad, "The Columnar", a Mandali variety, of which a few palms 
exist at Baghdad. Very small, no larger than the end of one's finger, but of 
good quality. Light brown in color and of moderately soft consistency when 
cured, but usually eaten fresh. 

Degal Khatun, "The Lady's Date," a scarce and inferior Baghdad dry 
date, also eaten rutab. Yellowish-brown; midseason. 

Degal Muza, "The Banana Date," a Busreh variety probably identical 
with Qush Muza of Oman. Fruit small, short and of medium thickness; same 
color as Khadhrawi. Ripens September fifteenth to twentieth. Eaten fresh ; 
keeps well but is not so good when cured. Yield good. Most gardens of any size 
have a few trees of this variety to provide early rutabs (fresh dates) for 
family use. 

Dairi, said to mean "Of the world," i. e., "grown everywhere," hut it is 
possible that it means the Monastery Date, referring to the famous Dair al 
Balah (Monastery of Dates) at Gaza (Ghazzeh) in Palestine, where the 
Egyptian Hayani, called Birket al Hajji in America, is much grown. If so, 
the Busreh Dairi would be Hayani (Birket al Hajji). It is one of the com- 
monest "soft and dry" dates of Busreh, but of inferior quality. It is some- 
times packed in skins as a soft date. The offshoots come into bearing at an 
early age, but the yield is always rather light. Not eaten in the fresh stage. 
Ripens about October first . 

Form oblong to oblong-ovate, widest near center, whence it narrows 
slightly to the broad and obliquely flattened base, and more pronouncedly to 
the broadly pointed apex. Size large, one and one-half to one and seven- 
eighths inches long, three-fourths to one inch broad. Surface almost smooth, 
translucent brownish red to light maroon in color, overspread with a thin, 
gray-blue bloom. Skin thick, tough, adhering closely except for occasional 
longitudinal or transverse folds; wrinkling almost none. Flesh firm, tender, 
one-quarter inch thick, translucent, deep amber colored. Seed oblong, blunt 
at base, slightly pointed at apex; one inch long, three eighths wide; smooth, 
light brown, ventral channel broadly open, germ pore two-thirds of distance 
from base to apex. Flavor sweet but lacking in character and with unpleasant 
after-taste. 

When allowed to become dry, the date is similar to the above, save that 
the flesh around the base becomes whitish, opaque, granular and dry, some- 
times extending in a layer around the seed cavity, almost to the apex of the 
fruit. 



468 Pomona College Journal of Economic Botany 

Finduqieh, "The Filbert," an alternative name for Jauzi. 

Gul Husaini (Persian), The Rose (or Flower) of Husain (a man's name). 
an extremely rare variety from Mandali, <m the Persian frontier; it is 
apparently unknown at Baghdad and Busreh. Large, soft, usually eaten as 
rutab only, and said to be superior to the better known Amir Ilajj of the same 
oasis. 

IIiilnl, named after the village of Hala (?), one of the poorest of the 
Busreh dates; ripens early in October, and bears heavily. A yellow, dry 
date, about the size of Halawi. Not common. 

Hamrawi, an inferior Busreh soft date ripening in the last week of Sep- 
tember. Its name suggests its color, "reddish," in shape it is small and 
slender. Scarce, shy bearer. Cures well and can be kept six months. 

HanusMyeh, "The Date of Hanush" (a man's name), a rare Baghdad 
dry date of good quality but poor appearance. Form oblong to oblong-ellip- 
tical, broadest a little below center, base flattened, apex rather sharply pointed. 
Size medium large, one and three-eighths to one and five-eighths inches lone', 
seven-eighths broad. Surface dry, roughly undulating, a dull, yellowish 
brown in color, often tinged with magenta near base; bloom unnotieeable. Skin 
medium thick-, tough, dry, freely blistered and folded, and not adhering closely 
except around base. Flesh clear white or nearly so. changing to translucent 
amber brown near tip; three-eighths inch thick, solid, meaty but net mealy; 
fibre very slight. Seed oblong, rather slender, rounded at base, broadly 
pointed at apex, seven-eighths to one inch long, three-eighths to one-quarter 
inch broad, smooth, gray-brown, ventral channel closed or nearly so, germ 
pore nearer apex. Flavor very sugary, slightly nutty, similar to that of 
Badrahi and about as good. Ripens midseason. 

Hihili, ".Moonbeams,"* a delicious yellow date of the Persian (lull', fairly 
common at Busreh, and providing rutabs up to December. It has been suc- 
cessfully grown in California, but its late maturity is a drawback to its wide 
cultivation. Described in Bui. Cal. State Com. Hort., -Ian. '14. 

Huwayzi, named after the town id' Huwayzeh, sometimes spelled Hevezi, 
and frequently confounded with 'Awaydi. A choice Busreh soft date which 
is usually eaten fresh; tin- Arabs say it is inferior when cured, but this state- 
ment is baldly justified. A fairly long, slender date, more or less similar to 
Halawi both in shape and color which is lighl brown. Ripens about the last 
week of September; the palm bears well from an early age, but is not common. 
Flavor delicate and pleasant. The fruit will keep for five or six months in 
good condition; experimental shipments made to New York have been 

successful. 



* Literally, "The Crescent Moon." The rent is an ancient Semitic one, and it is 
interesting to note that it is found in the expression Halleluiah = Hallelii- Yah, i. e.. Lord 
of the New Moon; ;i liturgical phrase indicating that tin- ancestors of Abraham were 
devoted to the worship of the moon. 



Pomona College Journal of Economic Botany 469 

Ism'ail Qadri, (name of a man), a scarce Baghdad dry date which is 
also eaten in the rutab stage, and is esteemed. Bears well, late in August. 
Size large, color yellow, sometimes with a reddish-brown tinge. 

Ja'afari, "Refined Gold" (also a man's name), a rare and bad dry date 
of the Baghdad district. Yellow in color; so astringent that it is eaten only 
by camels. 

Jamdl al Din, "The Beauty of Religion." a Mandali date which some 
connoisseurs esteem the best of that oasis, very rare at Baghdad. It is the 
earliest of the choice Mandali dates to mature (August), and is usually eaten 
fresh, but occasionally preserved in skins. Light brown in color, fairly large 
in size. There is said to be no commerce in this variety, but wealthy pro- 
prietors at Mandali each have a few trees for their own use. 

Jauzi, "Like an English Walnut," a name which well describes both shape 
and color. An excellent dry date of the Baghdad district, not eaten in its 
soft state; bears heavily, shortly after midseason. Not very common. It is 
sometimes called Findiiqieh, or vulgarly Binduqieh. 

Form broadly oval to almost spherical, widest near center. Base rounded, 
apex blunt to rounded. Size medium large, one and one-fourth to one and 
three-eighths inches long, one and one-eighth to one and one-fourth inches 
wide. Surface very rough, hard, dry. yellowish brown in color tinged with 
magenta; bloom unnoticeahle. Skin medium thick, tough, deeply and coarsely 
wrinkled but adhering to flesh except for an occasional blister around apical 
end. Flesh very solid but not mealy, one-fourth inch thick, translucent 
brownish amber close to skin, creamy white toward seed; white portion three- 
fourths of whole. Seed broadly oblong, plump, three-fourths inch Long, three- 
eighths broad, both ends broadly pointed; smooth, russet, ventral channel 
closed. Flavor sweet, nutty, mild and rich. The fruit varies considerably, 
however, and very inferior dates of this variety are sometimes found in the 
bazar. 

Kakawani, also spelled Kikawani and Chichawani, a variety mentioned 
by Ghanimeh hut unknown to me. The name is Persian; a lexicographer says 
it means "excellent; applied to dates which have no seed." This is confirmed 
by Al Hamdani, who gives in his "Description of Arabia" (10th century) a 
list of Busreh dates and among them : "Al Sisa, and it is called by the Persians 
Kika and Chicha and by the Arabs Al Fakhir (the fine) and probably it has 
a defective seed * * which can be eaten." I suspect that this variety 
is merely a Shis [An unfertilized or unpollinated date. — Ed.]. 

Kand Kdwi, "The Bull's Penis" (Persian), a variety of which I heard 
the name only. 

Kkalaseh, "Quintessence," the date of Hasa in Arabia, considered by 
Persian Gulf Arabs to lie the finest in the world. It is extremely rare at 
Baghdad; at Busreh it is being planted a little more extensively of late years, 
but is not yet common. The quality of the fruit at Busreh is rather inferior; 



470 Pomona College Journal of Economic Botany 

it undoubtedly prefers a sandy soil. At Baghdad the growers claim its quality 
shows no deterioration; the annual yield is from 100 to 150 pounds. 

I secured about 400 palms of this variety from Oman and Ilasa ; it is 
fully described in Bui. Cal. State Com. Ilort., Jan. '14. 

Khanayzi, (name of a tribe), an Oman variety, occasionally found at 
Busreh. Described in Bui. Cal. State Com. Ilort., Jan. '14. 

Khasdb, "The Abundant Producer." a variety that seems to be native 
of Oman, but is now becoming fairly common at Busreh, where it is valued 
because of its late maturity — fresh dates can be bad from it until almost the 
first of December. It is rarely cured. 

In the bazar the date is usually seen attached to the cluster, and before 
softening is of a bright, rose-red color, ovate-elliptical in form, widest near the 
middle and tapering slightly toward both ends. As it softens the skin becomes 
translucent and assumes a deep, reddish amber color, becoming sticky from 
the exudation of syrup. 

The following description is of cured dates of this variety obtained in 
the Busreh market: Form broadly ova] to broadly ovate, widest at center 
or slightly nearer basal end, thence tapering to the narrow, flattened base 
and tin' broadly pointed apex, size medium, length one and one-fourth inches, 
breadth seven-eighths inch. Surface irregular, reddish brown to prune purple 
in color, overspread with a thin bluish bloom; skin moderately thick, tough, 
coarsely wrinkled, transversely and longitudinally, but generally adhering 
closely to the flesh; flesh firm, tender, one-fourth to one-eighth inch in thick- 
ness, translucent, deep amber colored; seed oblong, round or blunt at has.', 
pointed at apex, three-fourths inch long, five-sixteenths broad, smooth, deep 
grayish brown in color, ventral channel open, shallow, germ pore nearer base 
than apex: flavor sweet but lacking in character and with a rather strong 
after-taste. 

Khasdwi nl Baghal, "The Ass's Testicles,"" a variety said to be common 
and esteemed in Madina. It was introduced to Mesopotamia several genera- 
tions ago but has never become widespread. The date is of large size, brown 
in color; eaten either fresh or cured. 

Khiyara, "Cucumber-like" (Persian), a soft date originating with 
Mullah Naji of Baghdad, who claims it is the best in Babylonia. Long, 
slender, brownish-yellow, with a small seed. A heavy bearer and the bunches 
arc very large; ripens in August. The flavor when fresh suggests that of a 
cucumber: packs and keeps well. Very rare. 

Kibkab, often spelled (and pronounced) Chibchab or Chipchap. The 
word is Persian but its derivation uncertain; the best native lexicographer 
merely says it means "a palm which lets its fruits fall before they are ripe." 
I incline to the meaning, "The Date of the Chab tribe (properly Kab, a pow- 
erful and widespread tribe of nomads) mi the left cMb ; (this is. the left bank 
of the Tigris)." It is a fairly common date throughout the Persian gulf: some- 



* Al Muqaddisi (died lis.",) who lists 45 varieties of Busreh dates in his book "Ahsan al 
Taqasim" mentions Baydh al Baghal, "Ass's Eggs," which is very likely the same variety. 



Pomona College Journal of Economic Botany 471 

times eaten in a half ripe stage hut usually boiled to form what is called 
Eharak Pokhta in Persian and Khaldl Maibukh in Arabic, in which state it 
forms a considerable article of export to India. The date ripens about Octo- 
ber first, and the yield is large. 

Form oblong-elliptical, widest near center, thence narrowing slightly to 
the flattened base and broadly pointed apex ; size large, one and one-half to 
one and seven-eighths inches long, seven-eighths to one inch broad ; surface 
hard, rough, golden brown in color; skin thick, hard and brittle, with many 
deep longitudinal wrinkles and a few transverse ones, but adhering very 
closely to the flesh, which is hard and dry. coarsely granular, five-eighths inch 
thick, brownish-white, opaque; seed oblong, blunt at base and rounded at 
apex, one inch long, five-sixteenths wide, fairly smooth, cinnamon brown in 
color, ventral channel almost closed, germ pore slightly nearer apex than 
base; flavor sweet but somewhat astringent. This description was made from 
boiled specimens. 

Lului. "Pearly," sometimes spelled Lilwee, following the vulgar pronun- 
ciation. One of the latest varieties, if not the latest, to ripen at Busreh 
(November), usually eaten when soft. Sometimes cured but will keep only 
a month or two. A heavy bearer. 

When fresh the variety is dull yellow in color, the flesh soft, fairly sugary 
and of good flavor. When cured, the fruit is broadly oval to broadly ovate, 
sometimes almost spherical, widest at or near center, rounded toward the 
rounded base and rounded or broadly pointed apex. Size small, length seven- 
eighths to one inch, breadth at widest point seven-eighths inch. Surface almost 
smooth, brownish purple to purplish brown in color, bloom very slight; skin 
moderately thick, tough, usually not wrinkled but separating from the flesh 
in occasional slight folds or blisters. Flesh soft, syrupy, three-eighths inch 
thick, translucent, deep, brownish amber colored. Seed oblong, rounded 
at both ends or broadly pointed at apex; three-fourths inch long, 
three-eighths broad, smooth, grayish brown, ventral channel open near base 
only, germ pore nearer apex than base. Flavor sweet and moderately rich; 
pleasant. 

Madani, "From Madina," although it is said to have been brought to 
Baghdad from Mecca by returning pilgrims. Sometimes qualified as .Madani 
ahmar (red). A long and very large date of a reddish brown color, said to 
be a heavy bearer; ripens midseason. Can be eaten at any stage, but is 
preferred when only about half ripe. Sometimes cured and packed in baskets. 
Said to be the largest date at Baghdad; very rare. The palm is characterized 
by a particularly thick trunk. 

Makk&wi, "From Mecca." Two varieties of soft date are designated by 
this name around Baghdad. The commoner is Makkawi ahmar (red), scarce 
at Baghdad but said to be more plentiful in some of the outlying oases. 
.Medium size, good quality and large yield; ripens early in September. Eaten 



472 Pomona College Journal of Economic Botany 

fresh or packed in skins. Makkawi ashqar (sorrel) is probably only a sub- 
variety of the same, ripens a little earlier, and does not keep. 

Malquti, a variety reported from Ililleh, of which I could get no par- 
ticulars. The name means "that which is picked up off the ground after it 
lias fallen. " 

M'mrii, "Like an Intestine," a long, yellow, Baghdad variety, possibly a 
dry date, but is usually eaten when soft. Ripens early in .September and is 
a favorite with the people because of tin- honey-like character of its flesh. 
Has been famous for centuries; its name is a classic. 

Mulaffaf, "The Twisted,'* a small yellow dry date of Baghdad, re- 
markable for the spiral wrinkles of the skin, which make it look as if it had 
been twisted. Very rare. Eaten either fresh or dry. 

Nabaiti, named after a man or a town, a good but not common Busreh 
variety which seems to be on the border line between soft and dry dates. 
Ripens about October first. Good when fresh; must be dried in sun with care, 
if it is cured at all, and even then does not keep well. Shy bearer and 
requires more time to come into bearing than do most offshoots. 

Form broadly oblong, obliquely flattened at base and broadly pointed at 
apex; size large, length one and one-half to one and three-quarters inches, 
breadth seven-eighths to one inch. Surface somewhat rough, glossy, trans- 
lucent deep golden brown in color, bloom almost none. Skin medium thick 
but not tough, only slightly wrinkled but abundantly folded longitudinally 
and separating from flesh, which is firm, sometimes almost granular, thick, 
reddish amber close to skin, changing to light amber close to seed, not very 
translucent. Seed slender oblong-elliptical, pointed at both ends, one inch 
long, one-fourth wide, smooth, gray brown, ventral channel narrow. Flavor 
sweet, much resembling some of the good dry dates. 

Nirsi, from the village of Nirs ( ?*), a g 1 soft date grown in various 

districts on the river but apparently not at either Baghdad or Busreh. Ripens 
in the latter part of September; keeps well. 

Form obhmg, slightly wider toward basal end, rounded or slightly flat- 
tened at base, rounded to broadly pointed at apex. Size medium, length one 
and one-fourth to one and one-half inches, breadth five-eighths to three- 
quarters inch. Surface irregular, glossy, translucent light brown varying to 
orange brown; bloom unnoticeable. Skin thin, firm, tender, loosely wrinkled 
but adhering rather closely. Flesh firm, of caramel consistency, full of syrup, 
translucent, deep reddish amber in color, one-fourth inch thick, slight amount 
of fibre in seed cavity. Seed oblong-elliptical tapering very slightly toward 
both ends, length thirteen-sixteenths inch, breadth one-quarter, slightly 
roughened, grayish brown, ventral channel very shallow. Flavor rich, some- 
what like that of Khadhrawi. 



* At Hamdani mentions a variety "Nirsian," from the same root. 



Pomona College Journal of Economic Botany 473 

Qaranfali, "Like a Pink (the flower)," possibly in odor. A large, yellow, 
dry date of good quality at Baghdad, which ripens early in September, and 
can be eaten either fresh or dry. Bears well. Scarce. 

Qurret Asharasi, "The Coolness (i. e., delightful freshness) of Asharasi," 
a Baghdad variety which is distinguished from Asharasi only by its slightly 
inferior size; they are sold indiscriminately together. Scarce. According to 
native idea, this variety is particularly sensitive to the odor of melons, and 
if one eats such a fruit under the palm, while the dates are unripe, they will 
all drop. 

Rihdwi, "The Fragrant." a Baghdad dry date, also eaten in its soft state. 
Sorrel colored, of medium size and good quality; ripens early in September; 
bears well ; not common. 

Sa'ada Aswdd, "Black Happiness," a common Baghdad dry date of 
poor quality, but as it bears heavily it is considerably sold as food for asses. 
Form oblong-elliptical, flattened at base, widest near center, broadly pointed 
at apex. Size medium, length one and three-eighths to one ami five-eighths 
inches, breadth three-fourths inch. Surface almost smooth, dry, slightly 
glossy, maroon purple in color, bloom unnoticeable. Skin moderately thick, 
tough, usually not wrinkled, but with a few folds and undulations; adheres 
closely to the flesh, which is firm, solid, one-eighth to three-sixteenths inch 
thick, light brownish amber in color, translucent. Seed oblong, rounded at 
base, rounded or broadly pointed at apex, seven-eighths inch long and five- 
sixteenths broad, quite smooth, russet in color, ventral channel almost closed. 
Flavor rather strong. This description was made from good specimens; 
much of the fruit in the bazar is smaller, drier and in every way inferior. 

A sub-variety called Sa'ada llamra (red) is distinguished, but it differs 
only in being lighter in color, and is not common. 

Sdyir, "The Fibrous" (?), one of the most widely grown dates in 
Babylonia, although of inferior quality. It is also called Usta'amran, and 
by that name is usually known at Baghdad; some experts profess to see a 
slight difference between the two, but their efforts are hardly successful. At 
Muhammarah this name is usually corrupted to Sa'amran; Sta'amran and 
Sambran are other vulgar pronunciations sometimes heard. The date is ex- 
ported to America to a limited extent: plays an important part in native trade 
in the Persian gulf, and is the principal date grown on the Euphrates and the 
middle Tigris. It bears heavily, shortly before the first of October at Busreh, 
and will keep for a year or more. Said to do best in a sandy soil. 

Form broadly oblong to oblong-elliptical, widest at center or slightly 
nearer apical end, whence it narrows almost imperceptibly toward the flat- 
tened base and broadly pointed apex. Size medium to medium large, length 
one and one-fourth to one and five-eighths inches, width three-fourths to seven- 
eighths inch; surface almost smooth, translucent, glossy, dark, orange brown in 
color, bloom almost unnoticeable; skin rather thick and tough, smooth except 
for occasional wrinkles or longitudinal folds in which it separates from the 



474 Pomona College Journal of Economic Botany 

flesh, which is rather soft, syrupy, one-fourth to three-eighths inch in thickness, 
deep amber colored, with considerable tender fibre around seed; the latter 
broadly oblong, rounded to blunt at both ends, three-quarters inch long, five- 
sixteenths broad, fairly smooth, grayish brown in color, ventral channel nearly 
closed, germ pore nearer base than apex; flavor very sweet, not cloying, but 
not rich or distinctive in any way. The dark color of the date is its principal 
drawback. Has done well in United States. 

Saba'a al Dra'a, see Bu Saba 'a al Dra'a. 

Sayyid Ibrahim, (a man's name), is one of the largest of the Baghdad 
soft dates, but rare. Long in proportion to its width; light brown in color; 
ripens midseason; eaten fresh or cured; bears heavily. 

Shaqra, see Ashqar. 

Shakkar, "Sugar," often called Shakkari,* an inferior Busreh soft date, 
not to lie confounded with those of similar name at Baghdad. Of medium 
length and slender, light brown in color, ripening late in September; a shy 
bearer; not common. Eaten principally fresh, but will keep a month if dried. 

Sharisi, "Of a bad disposition," a fairly common Baghdad variety but 
on account of its poor quality is usually eaten only by animals, for which 
reason the cultivator usually does not pollinate it. A long and slender but 
small date, light brown in color; can be eaten fresh or packed in skins or boxes. 
It is often called Shis, "unfertilized." 

Shahvi, "Wintry," (he latest of the Baghdad dates to ripen (Novem- 
ber) lint of fairly good quality. Usually eaten fresh, but keeps well. Not 
common. 

Form oblong, widest at center or toward basal end, flattened at base and 
blunt to broadly pointed at apex. Size medium, length one and one-quarter 
to one ami one-half inches, breadth three-fourths to seven-eighths inch. Sur- 
face dry, roughly undulating, opaque dull magenta in color near base changing 
to translucent deep amber brown near apex; bloom very slight, blue gray. 
Skin dry, firm, rather thick and tough, coarsely wrinkled and blistered, 
adhering closely around base but often separating toward apex. Flesh solid, 
meaty, three-eighths inch thick, translucent amber brown in color, rather 
fibrous around seed, which is oblong, slightly swollen in center, base and apex 
rounded, length seven-eighths inch, breadth three-eighths; smooth; light 



* This, again, is a Persian word; the Arab form "sukkar" is, also, in use at Baghdad, 
both fur the article sugar, and as the name of a date variety. Our word "sugar" is, of 
course, of the same origin, .ill three forms deriving from the Sanskrit cakara, which meant 
either sugar or— sand! One of the commonest Aral) methods of forming a date variety- 
name is to make an allusion to sugar in some way; such is the excellent Baghdad variety 
TabirzaL which was originally Tabirzad or Tabarzadh, a Persian word again. Cf. a 
classical Arab lexicographer's definition of "sukkar": "A certain sweet substance, well 
known; it is hot and moist, according to the most correct opinion; but some say cold; and 
the best sort of it is the transparent, called Tabarzadh; and the old is more delicate than 
the new; it is injurious to the stomach, engendering yellow bile; lint the juice of the 
lemon and orange counteract its noxiousness; it is said to be a word recently introduced, 
but some say that it occurs in one Tradition" (of Muhammad. The use of a word by the 
Prophet is the highest recommendation it can have for etymological respectability). 



Pomona College Journal of Economic Botany 475 

brown; ventral channel open but shallow, germ pore slightly nearer apex. 
Flavor rather strong, but nutty, somewhat similar to that of a good dry date. 

Sin Mufta, a variety mentioned by Colvill,* which 1 could not identify. 

ShuwayM, "The Little Bees' Date" (?), a Busreh soft date resembling 
Khadhrawi but a little smaller. Ripens in October; not good when fresh but 
fairly good when cured; keeps eight or nine months. Scarce and a shy bearer. 

Tabashir, "Calcareous," probably from its chalky color, a variety of 
which I could get no more than the name. Doubtless a dry date. 

Ukht Badra, "Badra's Sister," a name which indicates the similarity of 
this dry date of Baghdad 1" the distinct and commoner Badrahi. A rare 
variety, but sometimes found in the bazar. 

Form oblong, slightly wider toward apical end, flattened at base and 
rounded to broadly pointed at apex. Size medium large to large, one and 
one-fourth to one and five-eighths inches long, seven-eighths to one inch wide. 
Surface dry, hard, smooth or somewhat undulating, dull yellowish brown in 
color, sometimes brownish yellow. Skin thin, dry, rather tender, occasionally 
slightly wrinkled or creased. Flesh three-eighths inch thick, light yellow- 
near skin, changing to silvery white near seed; solid and meaty, but neither 
mealy nor brittle; dry, slightly fibrous around seed. Seed broadly oblong, 
rounded at base and apex, seven-eighths inch long, three-eighths wide, smooth, 
gray brown, ventral channel deep, germ pore slightly nearer apex. Flavor 
sweet and nutty. 

Usta'amrdn, "The Date of 'Amr the Expert" ( 'Amr is a common man's 
name). A synonym for Sayir, q. v. 

Umm Ajrabeh, "Mother of Quantity" (the ajrabeh is a grain measure 
containing 768 pounds) or "Mother of the Mange". If taken in this last 
sense, the name probably means that the palms of this variety are particularly 
affected by the Parlatoria scale, which is colloquially known as "date-palm 
mange". A rare Baghdad soft date, much similar to Khustawi in appear- 
ance, but a little smaller. Ripens in midseason. Noted as a heavy bearer, as 
the first signification of its name would indicate. 

Umm al Sawdni, "Queen of the Table" or, more literally, "Mother of 
Platters". The name is colloquially pronounced Umuswani. A small, short, 
fat date known at Baghdad, but confined to a few gardens. It is eaten only in 
the fresh or rutab stage, when its color is a brownish yellow. 

'Uyun Ayub. The latter word is the name, in Arabic form,f of the 
Biblical Job, the former has some fifty meanings in addition to its primary 
one of "eyes," As Job's Eyes seems senseless, I suggest (without any definite 
warrant from Arab sources) the translation "coins" which is etymologically 



* In Jour. Linn. Sue. London, vol. XIV, p. 50.5. 

1 The translators of the King James version of the Bible blindly copied Martin Luther 
in transliterating proper names, without stopping to think that the difference between 
German and English was wholly misleading in such cases as this. Job and Jacob would 
pass in German, where they correctly give the oriental pronunciation; but in English, with 
a different value for j, the translators should certainly have written Yob, Yacob, etc. 



476 Pomona College Journal of Economic Botany 

entirely justifiable. The name could then be linked to the Arabic tradition 
given by Shaykh Jalal al Din (15th c, A. D.) in his Commentary on the 
Koran, and elsewhere, that Job had two threshing floors, one for wheat and 
one for barley, and that after Ids prosperity had been restored, God sent a 
cloud over each of these threshing floors, raining gold pieces on one and 
silver pieces on the other, until they were wholly covered. The fruit which 
hears this name is a rather small, yellow, dry date of Baghdad, scarce but 
esteemed. It ripens in midseason and the yield is said to be average. 

Zahriyeh, "Flowery" or "Brilliant," a variety mentioned by Ghanimeh, 
hut unknown Id me personally. 

In addition In these. Dr. Zwemer* mentions the following as being dates 
of the Busreh region: "Mother of Perfume," "Sealed Up," "Red .Sugar," 
"Pure Daughter," and "Daughter of Seven." I ean not be certain of these 
identifications; hut "Mother of Perfume" may he Rihawi; "Sealed Up" is 
probably Maktum; and "Daughter of Seven" is probably the same as 
"Father of Seven to the Cubit." 

I may add that of the 111 varieties of dates described in Baghdad by 
native writers of the eighth, ninth and tenth centuries, and collected by Pere 
Anastase .Marie of the Carmelite Mission, Baghdad,! not more than fifteen 
or twenty can he identified definitely as existing up to the present day. Some 
of them are probably now going under other names; hut no doubt most of 
them have become extinct, as better varieties took their places. 

Male Varieties. 

The principal variety of male date palm in the Busreh region is Ghanami, 
"Bushy Head," which gives pollen in its third year, blooms early in the 
season, and produces from twenty to thirty spadices annually. 

Other male varieties of this region are Ilukri, whose name signifies, 
probably, "what is laid by in times of scarcity" and points to the storing 
of pollen from year to year (although such a practice is extremely rare in 
Babylonia), Wardi, "Long Haired", and Sumaysmi, which is probably a 
colloquial pronunciation of Shumaysmi, "little Sunburst," in allusion to the 
thick crown id' foliage. 

At Baghdad a dozen or more varieties of males are distinguished, merely 
by the name id' the female variety of which they are originally supposed to 

have 1 n seedlings (although now propagated by offshoots, of course). The 

best of these is Asharasi, which sometimes hears forty or fifty spadices, the 
Arabs claim ; and they declare that not only is the yield of fruit heavier 
when this variety of male is used for pollination, hut that the flavor of the 
dates is also better. Tt is, accordingly, the only variety planted by con- 
noiseurs, hut lacking this, Barban is preferred, with Khadhrawi in third place. 

In importing specimens id' the male Asharasi to California, I endeavored 



* Zwemer, S. M., in "Arabia, the Cradle of Islam." New York, 1901. 
fSee Loghat el Arab, XI, 509, Baghdad, Mai, 1913. 



Pomona College Journal of Economic Botany 477 

to avoid confusion with the female by dropping the last syllables and adding 
the Arabic word for male; so it now appears as Ashar Fahal. 

It is worth noting that the classical writers do not, apparently, know any 
named varieties of male, but mention merely "Fahal" or, in the plural. 
"Fahahil." 



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